Device for processing bank note-like objects

ABSTRACT

The device for the processing of bank notes has a modular design. It has at least one inlet ( 311 ) and at least one outlet ( 361,1, 361.2 ). The device contains a fixed part ( 1 ) and interchangeable mobile modules ( 31-36 ) each for performing a complete processing function upon the bank note-like objects to be processed. The modules ( 31-36 ) arc insertable into the fixed part ( 1 ) in such a manner, that a desired work sequence for processing the bank notes is performable. To such an extent as is possible, electric lines, components and motors ( 41 ) are mounted on the fixed part ( 1 ); the forces and/or torques required by the modules ( 31-36 ) are transmitted to the modules by means of transmission ( 51,1, 52.1 ). The modules ( 31-36 ) are pluggable into pins ( 2.1, 2.2 , . . . ) attached to the fixed part ( 1 ), so that they are easily insertable, removable or interchangeable. The modules ( 31-36 ) are selectable from a set of different modules and are combinable in almost any possible manner, so that with this a multitude of freely selectable processing sequences is implementable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device that is suitable for reading,identifying, checking, verifying, examining, counting, sorting and/orstacking bank notes and/or bank note-like objects. Such “bank note-likeobjects” include bank notes, cheques, share certificates, documents witha security imprint, certificates, admission tickets or travel tickets,vouchers, credit cards, bank cards, identification cards, and accesscards. The invention also relates to a contact pressure unit, atransport unit, a position sensor and a feeder device for processingbank note-like objects.

Devices for processing bank note-like objects are known. Such devicescarry out processing functions such as feeding, separation,transporting, deflecting, rotating, reading, sorting or stacking on thebank note-like objects. For this purpose, the processing devices areequipped with complex mechanical, electronic and/or optical components.These components, during installation, have to be brought into thecorrect position relative to one another, in order to carry out adesired processing sequence faultlessly and without interruption. Thedevice is usually conceived designed for a certain processing sequence;if other processing functions are to be carried out, a new, differentdevice has to be conceived and designed or else at least the existingdevice modified at great expense. Apart from this, most componentsrequire an electric power supply, which usually is implemented with thehelp of expensive, complicated wiring inside the device. Such wiringmakes the manufacture and the maintenance of the device more difficult,is confusing and susceptible to defects. The bank note-like objects tobe processed frequently transfer dirt, ink and/or dust to the device. Asa result, the operability of individual components or of the wholedevice (e.g., through jamming of the bank note-like objects) can beseriously impaired. In order to, in such a case, repair known devicesfor the processing of bank note-like objects, the devices have to bedismantled, the jammed objects removed, cleaned and re-assembled again,which requires a lot of time and effort.

In summary, the manufacture and maintenance of known devices for theprocessing of bank notes is usually associated with a relatively greateffort and expense, which in turn leads to high manufacturing andoperating costs.

Apart from this, known devices for the processing of bank notes arefrequently equipped with unsuitably complicated and expensive contactpressure and/or transport units with position sensors susceptible tocontamination with dirt and with unreliable feeder units that deform thebank note-like objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to create a device for processing banknote-like objects, which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages andwhich, in particular, has a clear design layout, can be easily andrapidly assembled and maintained and which is able to carry out amultitude of different processing sequences. It is also an object of theinvention to create a simple, cost-effective contact pressure unit forthe pressing of bank note-like objects against another element. It isfurthermore an object of the invention to create a simple,cost-effective and defect-free transport unit for the transporting ofbank note-like objects. Apart from this, it is an object of theinvention to create a robust position sensor not susceptible tocontamination with dirt for determining whether a bank note-like objectat a certain time is in a certain position. Furthermore, it is an objectof the invention to create a feeder unit for drawing-in individual banknote-like objects, in which the bank note-like objects are not deformedand which guarantees individualised processing of the bank note-likeobjects.

These objects are achieved by the device according to the presentinvention, the contact pressure unit in accordance with the invention,the transport unit in accordance with the invention, the position sensorin accordance with the invention, and the feeder unit in accordance withthe invention.

Understood by the term “bank note-like objects” in this document aresheet-like, thin and usually bendable object with graphic printing,which represent a certain material value and, therefore, include banknotes in the actual sense and also other such objects. Examples of banknote-like objects are bank notes, bank cheques, share certificates,documents with a security imprint, certificates, admission tickets ortravel tickets, vouchers, credit and/or bank cards, identity and/oraccess cards. When in this document “processing functions” are referredto, then the meaning is functions such as feeding, separating,individualising, transporting, reading, identifying, checking,verifying, examining, counting, sorting and/or stacking, which arecarried out on the bank note-like objects. A “processing sequence” iscomposed of several such functions.

The invention is based on the idea of designing a device for processingbank note-like objects in a modular way. The different completedprocessing functions are carried out by independent modules. Suchmodules are interchangeable mobile components, which can be utilised ina fixed part of the device such that a desired operating sequence forthe processing of bank note-like objects is implementable. The moduleshave standardised interfaces, at which the bank note-like objects aretransferred from one module to the next. The device has to be designedsuch that the interfaces are positioned correctly relative to oneanother and such that transfers of bank note-like objects are possiblewhen modules are installed in the device. The modules are selectablefrom a set of different modules and can be combined in almost anymanner, so that with this a multitude of freely selectable processingsequences can be implemented.

The modules can easily be inserted into the device in accordance withthe invention, for example, by plugging in or hooking on and can beequally easily removed and interchanged. Such a modular design thereforeassures an exceedingly simple assembly and maintenance of the device. Italso makes possible a rapid and easy changing of the desired processingsequence in that modules are easily added, removed, moved and/orexchanged. The device in accordance with the invention is expandable orextendable according to the requirements of the user. The individualmodules are robust, because they contain only a necessary minimum ofdelicate electric, electronic and/or optical elements that aresusceptible to contamination with dirt. If possible, such delicateelements are located outside the modules, so that the communicationbetween the modules and the rest of the device is limited to mechanicalsignals. The maintenance of the device is simple and quick, because as aresult of the modularity a jam can easily be rectified and individualmodules are easily cleaned. The modularity, however, produces benefitsnot only for the user, but also for the manufacturer. For example,redesigning the device in accordance with the invention is significantlysimpler, because only certain components have to be modified, whileothers can be taken over from existing devices.

The device in accordance with the invention for the processing of banknote-like objects is preferably operated electrically and has at leastone inlet as well as at least one outlet for the bank note-like objects.The device comprises a fixed part and interchangeable mobile components,whereby the mobile components are for carrying-out of respectively onecomplete processing function on the bank note-like objects to beprocessed. These modules can be installed in the fixed part such thatbetween the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet a desiredoperating sequence for processing bank note-like objects can beimplemented.

The fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention ispreferably designed as a rigid supporting structure, for example, as awall of the plate forming the device, a profile or as a grating of bars.The device preferably has mechanical means of connection, by means ofwhich the modules can be fixed to the fixed part through a positivereleasable mechanical connection. The modules, for example, can beplugged into or hooked onto the fixed part.

On the fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention drivemeans such as electric motors can be attached. In the mobile partsactive means can be attached, which mechanically act on the banknote-like objects. Such means may be, for example, rollers for thetransportation of the bank note-like objects. By means of transmissionmeans, such as toothed (synchronous) belts, perforated wheels orperforated wheel rims, drawbars, levers, clutches, mechanical switchesor shafts, forces and/or torques are transmittable to the active meansfrom the drive means. It is advantageous not to incorporate the drivemeans in the mobile parts, but rather in the fixed part of the device.In this manner, one achieves a clear, consistent separation of the drivemeans and mobile parts. The separation has the advantage that theelectric lines and components are attached to the fixed part in a clearlayout, like on a printed circuit board of an electronic device, and canbe more easily installed and maintained. Most mobile parts contain onlymechanical components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further features of the invention will be apparent withreference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a perspective view from the front of the fixed part of the devicein accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 a perspective view from the back of the fixed part of the devicein accordance with the invention of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 a perspective view from the front of the partially opened devicein accordance with the invention,

FIGS. 4 and 5 front views of details of the fixing means of modules inthe device in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 6 a cross section through an interface between two modules of thedevice in accordance with the invention,

FIGS. 7-12 different modules for the utilization of the device inaccordance with the invention,

FIGS. 13-14 a longitudinal view and a cross sectional view,respectively, through a transport unit in accordance with the invention,

FIGS. 15-16 longitudinal sections through a position sensor inaccordance with the invention,

FIG. 17 a perspective view of the position sensor of 15 and 16,

FIGS. 18-19 a longitudinal view and a cross sectional view,respectively, through a feeder unit and

FIG. 20 a perspective view of a device in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The device in accordance with the invention contains a fixed part andinterchangeable mobile parts. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view ofthe fixed part 1 of the device. The fixed part 1 is preferably designedas an essentially rigid supporting structure, for example, as a plate,which simultaneously serves as the back wall of the device. For betterorientation, in the Figures Cartesian co-ordinates (x, y, z) areincluded, whereby the plate 1 always defines the x-y plane. On the plate1, at the fixing points 20.1 20.2, . . . pins 2.1, 2.2, . . . areattached. The pins, in essence, vertically protrude from a first side 11of the plate 1, therefore in z direction. These pins 2.1, 2.2, . . . areused for plugging-in interchangeable modules (not shown in FIG. 1). On afirst side 11 of the plate 1 other attachment points 20.51, 20.52, . . .for pins are foreseeable. Preferably, these other attachment points20.51, 20.52 . . . are arranged in a grid 21, which is indicated inbroken lines. The attachment of the pins 2.1, 2.2, . . . is effectedwith known means of attachment, such as, for example, screws.

On a first side 11 of the plate 1 elements are attached, which arenecessary for the operation of the device. Such elements can be drivemeans 41, 42, transmission means 51-56, electric lines, electric and/orelectronic components. Drive means 41, 42 produce forces and/or torquesfor the mechanical processing functions performed by the modules. Forthe processing function transportation, a single electric motor 41 ispreferably present as a drive means. For the processing functionsorting, at least one electromagnetic switch 42 is present as a seconddrive means. Means of transmission 51-56 transmit forces and/or torquesfrom the drive means 40, 41 into the modules and/or vice-versa. By themotor 41 toothed (synchronous) belts 51.1, 51.2 are driven as firstmeans of transmission. The toothed (synchronous) belts 51.1, 51.2 run ondeflection rollers 52.1-52.4 and move perforated wheels, resp.,perforated wheel rims 53.1, 53.2, . . . , which are preferably equippedwith tapered bores 54. The bores 54 receive correspondingly formed pins55.1, 55,2, . . . (illustrated in FIGS. 7-12), which are attached to themodules movably or rotatably. The tapered shape renders the relativepositioning when inserting a module more easy. By the electromagneticswitch 42, a lever 56 is driven as a further means of transmission.Means of transmission can be (not illustrated) drawbars, clutches,mechanical switches, shafts, pinions, gears, chains, etc. In the devicein accordance with the invention it is attempted if at all possible toonly transmit mechanical signals from the plate 1 to the modules; thisensures a high robustness of the device.

A first type of electric lines 71 (FIG. 2) serves for the supply ofelectric power to the components, a second type of electric line 72(FIG. 1) for the transmission of information between certain components;the two types of lines 71, 72 can also coincide. For example, the switch42 of the sorting module needs information from the reading modules inorder to decide which stack a certain bank note is to be brought to. Theinformation processing, for example the processing of data from and tothe user, the identification or examination of bank notes, thecalculation of run times, control of switches, etc., takes place in atleast one electronic component, for example, a micro-processor 81. Forthe reasons outlined further above, it is advantageous if at allpossible to avoid the use of electric cables. For this purpose, on thefirst side of the plate preferably printed circuit boards 82.1-82.3 withsockets 83 are attached, into which corresponding plugs fixed to certainmodules (not illustrated) can be plugged.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the partially opened device of FIG.1, but from the opposite or backside. On a second side 12 of the plate 1further elements are attached which are necessary for the operation ofthe device. These can be means of transmission such as toothed(synchronous) belts 51.3-51.7 on deflection rollers 52.5, 52.6, . . .These can also be electric components, e.g., a power supply unit 84,which supplies the voltage required by other elements, and/or a furtherprinted circuit board 82.4. It is advantageous, if as many elements aspossible are attached to the second side 12 of the plate 1. This isbecause it is more easily accessible so that during maintenance work noteven modules have to be removed from their places.

FIG. 3 in the same perspective view as FIG. 1 illustrates the plate 1with inserted modules 31-36. The modules 31-36 are interchangeablemobile parts, which can be inserted into the fixed part 1 of the devicesuch that a desired operating sequence for the processing of the banknote-like objects (not shown on FIG. 3) can be carried out. In theexample of FIG. 3, the desired operating sequence is as follows: thebank note-like objects, for example, different bank notes, initially arepresent in the form of a stack (not illustrated) in an inlet compartment311 of an inlet and separating module 31. The bank note-like objects aredrawn into the device and separated from one another, read, deflectedand transported, deflected once again, sorted and issued stacked.

This processing sequence is composed of a sequence of completedprocessing functions, which respectively are carried out by one module31-36. Corresponding modules 31-36 are schematically illustrated in FIG.3: an inlet and separating module 31 with an inlet compartment 311,which serves as entrance of the device, a first transport module 32.1, afirst reading module 33.1, a second reading module 33.2, a firstdeflection module 34.1, a second transport module 32.2 and a thirdtransport module 32.3, a second deflection module 34.2, a sorting module35, a first stacking module 36.1 with an outlet compartment 361.1 and asecond stacking module 36.2 with an outlet compartment 361.2. The outletcompartments 361.1, 361.2 serve as exits from the device. A singlereading module is sufficient, if only one side of the bank notes has tobe read; this can be the case, if the bank notes only have to beidentified, for example, for the purpose of subsequent sorting in thesorting module 35. Two reading modules 33.1, 33.2 are necessary, if bothsides of the bank notes have to be read. This is necessary, for example,if the bank notes have to be verified, i.e., examined. It is applicablein general that several reading modules 33.1, 33.2 increase theredundancy and with this the faultless operation and the security of theprocessing sequence.

Protruding from the plate 1 are pins 2.1, 2.2, . . . , onto which themodules 31-36 can be plugged. For this purpose, the modules 31-36 areequipped with mouldings (grooves/contours) and/or apertures 22.1, 22.2,. . . , into which the pins 2.1, 2.2, . . . are inserted. Such aplugging-in results in a simply, releasable, but nonetheless stablemechanical connection between the plate 1 and the modules 31-36. Theplate 1 in preference has a standardized or uniform grid 21 ofattachment points 20.51, 20.52, . . . for further pins. If so required,further pins can also be attached to the plate 1 and, vice-versa, otherscan be removed from the plate 1. The distances between the mouldingsand/or apertures 22.1, 22.2, . . . in the modules 31-36 correspond tothe spacings preferably a standardized grid spacing, of the attachmentpoints for pins 2.1, 2.2, . . . The modules 31-36 therefore can bearranged on the plate 1 in a modular system with a great degree offreedom. For modules that require electric power such as, for example, areading module 33.1, 33.2, corresponding (outlined in FIG. 1) electricalmeans of connection 83, for example sockets, are provided on the plate1, on printed circuit boards 82.1-82.3 or on other elements fixed to theplate 1.

In FIG. 4 a frontal view of a detail IV of FIG. 3 is depicted. Thisshows the attachment, resp., hooking on of two modules, for example, ofthe second transport module 32.2 and of the third transport module 32.3.The two modules 32.2, 32.3 are plugged into two pins 2.5, 2.6 (as wellas into other pins, which are not visible in FIG. 4), in that the pins2.5, 2.6 are slid into mouldings 22.51, 22.52, 22.61, 22.62. Each one ofthe two pins 2.5, 2.6 connects both modules 32.2, 32.3 with the plate 1.Vice-versa, for the stable attachment of a module normally two,sometimes also more than two pins are required.

FIG. 5 shows, in the same view as FIG. 4, a detail V of the FIG. 3. Hereone of the pins 2.7 connects the four modules 36.1, 36.2, 34.3, 35 withthe plate 1. Such an arrangement in a certain sense is even moreadvantageous than that of FIG. 4, because with it fewer pins arenecessary for the attachment of the modules.

The modules have standardized interfaces, at which the bank notes aretransferred from one module to another. An exemplary embodiment of suchan interface 30, say between the inlet and separating module 31 and thefirst transport module 32.1 of the device of FIG. 3, is illustrated incross section in FIG. 6. A bank note 100 is transported in the firsttransport module 32.1 through a first slot 312 in the inlet andseparating module 31 and through a second slot 322 adjoining it. Thedirection of travel of the bank note 100 is indicated with an arrow 101.The two slots 312, 322 communicate through the interface 36. At theinterface 30, the inlet and separating module 31 has a wedge-shaped,elongated ridge 301. The first transport module 32.1 at thecorresponding place is equipped with an elongated groove 302 foraccommodating the ridge 301. The inter-meshing of ridge 301 and groove302 provides an additional positioning aid for the two modules 31, 32.1and ensures an impeccable transfer of the bank notes 100 from one module31 into the other module 32.1 at the interface 30. The device isconceived and built such that the interfaces 30 are correctly positionedrelative to one another and such that transfers of bank notes arepossible when the modules 31-36 are inserted into the device.

The FIG. 7-12 illustrate examples of different modules 31-36 that can beinserted into the device in accordance with the invention. In doing so,a movement of the (not depicted in FIG. 7-12) bank note-like objects,for example bank notes 100, is schematically indicated with arrows 102.The bank notes 100 typically move through the device with a speed of 600to 1500 mm/sec; in doing so, the space between them amounts to approx.20 to 50 mm. With these values, a typical flow rate of four to ten banknotes per second results. In part, mouldings or apertures for theplugging into pins 2.1., 2.2, . . . (for example, shown in FIGS. 1-3)are visible. Also visible in part are pegs 55.1, 55.2, . . . , whichengage (visible in FIG. 1) perforated wheels, resp., wheel rims 53.1,53.2, . . . and in this manner transmit torques from the plate 1 intothe modules 31-36. Driven by these means of transmission are transportshafts 551.1, 551.2, . . . and finally transport rollers 552.1, 552.2, .. . which, by means of adhesive friction, effect the transportation ofthe bank notes 100.

In FIG. 7, a module 31 for the insertion and separation of bank notes100 is illustrated. The bank notes 100 are placed in an inletcompartment 311 as a stack, individually drawn in by the module 31 andtherefore separated from the stack and from one another. FIG. 8 shows atransport module 32 for the linear transportation of the bank notes 100.By the module 33 of FIG. 9, the bank notes 100 are optically read, forexample, with the help of (not visible in FIG. 9) CCD arrays and/or CCDmatrices. FIG. 10 illustrates a deflection module 34, which deflects thebank notes 100 by a certain angle □, for example, by □=90°, relative totheir original direction of movement 101.1. The module 35 of FIG. 11 isa branching module, a sorting module or a switch point. Depending on theposition of a switch 42 (depicted in FIG. 1), the movements of which aretransmitted with the help of (indicated in FIG. 1) means of transmission56 into the module 35, the module 35 transfers a bank note 100 onwardsin a first direction 101.2, for example, undeflected, or in a seconddirection 101.3, for example, deflected by 90°. Finally, in FIG. 12 astacking module 36 is shown. The bank notes 100 are stacked in an outletcompartment 361 and can then be removed from this outlet compartment361.

It is naturally contemplated that other modules, which are not describedhere, can be inserted into the device in accordance with the invention.Also the connection between modules and the fixed part can beimplemented with other means.

In the FIGS. 13-19, some details of certain modules of the device inaccordance with the invention are dealt with.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a transport unit for the transportation ofthe bank note-like objects 100 within a module. It contains a (notindicated in FIGS. 13, 14) transport shaft 551 driven by drive means 41and possibly present means of transmission 51-55 with preferably severaltransport rollers 552.1-552.4, which act on the bank note-like objects100 and effect their transportation through the transport unit. Thetransport rollers 552.1-552.4, resp., their active surfaces, consist ofa material that has a high adhesive friction coefficient versus the banknote-like objects 100, for example, an elastomer. In order for anadhesive friction force on the bank note-like objects 100 in thedirection of transport 101 to be able to become effective, the banknote-like objects 100 are, by means of several pressure rollers554.1-554.2 acting in conjunction with the transport rollers 552.1-552.4on preferably (not driven) pressure shafts 553.1-553.4, pressed againstthe transport rollers 552.1-552.4. The gap between the transport rollers552.1-552.4 and pressure rollers 554.1-554.4 has to be variable by atleast the thickness d of the bank note-like objects 100. For thispurpose, the pressure rollers 554.1-554.3 are suspended individually andmovable perpendicular to the direction of transport 101 and relative tothe pressure shafts 553.1-553.4. The direction of movement of thepressure rollers 554.1-554.3 is indicated by a double arrow 555. Suchmovable suspensions can be approximated by small rotations 555′ of thepressure shafts 553.1-553.4 around a suspension axis 557 fixed in thedevice. The pressure shafts 553.1-553.4 can be rotatably supported, forexample, in suspension elements 556.1-556.4, which are hooked onto thesuspension axis 557. In a particularly advantageous embodimentillustrated in FIG. 19, the pressure shafts 553.1-553.4 can also bemanufactured as a single part together with the pressure rollers554.1-554.4 and made, for example, from a plastic material.

On the pressure rollers 554.1-554.4, the pressure shafts 553.1-553.4,resp., the suspension elements 556.1-556.4, in the direction of thetransport rollers 552.1-552.4 retro-acting or biasing forces F_(R)should be exerted. Usually in the case of known devices the retro-actingforces F_(R) are exerted with several helical springs. Such anarrangement, however, is complicated, expensive and susceptible tomalfunction. In the device in accordance with the invention, theretro-acting forces F_(R) are produced by a reversibly compressible foammaterial element 558. The foam material element 558 is in preference atleast as long (in the z-direction) as the total length of all rollers552.1-552.4, resp., 554.1-554.4. The foam material element 558 is heldin a holder 559 and supported versus a module housing 371. This pressureunit in accordance with the invention has the advantages of beingsimple, cheap and not susceptible to malfunction. A single foam materialelement 558 is sufficient to exert retro-acting force F_(R) on everypressure roller 554.1-554.4 individually. Apart from this, the foammaterial element 558 not only supplies the retro-acting forces FR, butalso desirable damping, so that the pressure rollers 554.1-554.4maintain the desired, variable working gap to the transport rollers552.1-552.4 without vibrating.

Such a pressure unit with at least one foam material element can ofcourse be utilized not only in a transport unit, but also in otherunits. Thus, the pressure rollers 554.1-554.4 can also push the banknote-like objects 100 against other elements, such as, for example, areading window of a reading module 33.

At certain points of the device, position sensors are required in orderto determine whether a bank note-like object is present at a certainpoint at a certain time. Known devices utilize optical light barriersfor this purpose. The disadvantage of such light barriers is that theyare mounted close to the passage of the bank note-like objects and, as aresult, are quickly contaminated with dirt, which impairs theiroperability. The invention solves this problem, in that the presence ofa bank note-like object is mechanically detected. Optical sensors arelocated at a distance from the passage of the bank note-like objects orscreened, in preference even attached outside a module.

An embodiment of such a position sensor 60 of the device in accordancewith the invention is depicted in the FIGS. 15 and 16 in longitudinalsection, similar to the depiction of FIG. 14, and in FIG. 17 in aperspective view. The position sensor 60 contains mechanical detectionelements 62.1-62.5, and at least one proximity element 64 connected withthe detecting elements 62.1-52.5. The detecting elements 62.1-62.5 andthe proximity element 64 in this exemplary embodiment are located on adetecting shaft 61, rigidly connected with it and rotatable. Thedetecting elements 62.1-62.5, for example, have the shape of sensingfingers bent towards their ends. Apart from this, the position sensor 60contains a measuring element 63, which acts in conjunction with theproximity element 64 and transmits an electric output signal dependenton the position of the proximity element 64 to an electric line 634. Indoing this, the measuring element 63, e.g., as in the FIGS. 15-17, canbe a light barrier with a light source 631, a photo-detector 633 and alight path 632 between them. The light path 632 is interruptible by theproximity element 64. The measuring element 63, however, can also beimplemented as a proximity switch, etc. Important is the fact that themeasuring element 63 is located at a distance from the passage of thebank note-like objects 100 or else screened and inaccessible tocontamination with dirt. In the present invention this is achieved bylocating the measuring element 63 on the first side 11 of the plate 1(refer to FIG. 1), for example, on a printed circuit board 82.1-82.3.The proximity element 64 therefore transmits a mechanical signal fromthe respective module to the plate 1 and only on the plate 1 is themechanical signal converted into an electric one. Contamination withdirt of the mechanical detecting elements 62.1-62.5 does not impair thefunction of the robust position sensor 60.

FIGS. 15 and 17 illustrate the position sensor 60 in a position of restwherein no bank note-like object 100 is at the measuring point 65, i.e.,in the zone of the rollers 552, 554. The measuring element 63 is in afirst condition; in this example of an embodiment the light path 632 ofthe light barrier is not interrupted. FIG. 16 shows the position sensor60 in a deflected position, in which a bank note-like object 100 islocated at the measuring point 65. The measuring element 63 is in asecond condition wherein the light path 632 of the light barrier isinterrupted by the proximity element 64, and the output signal of themeasuring element 63 is a different one from that in the firstcondition. In the deflected position, a retro-acting or biasing torqueon the detecting elements 62.1-62.5, indicated with an arrow 66, ispresent. Therefore, as soon as the bank note-like object 100 is removedfrom the measuring point 65, the position sensor returns to the restposition shown in FIGS. 15 and 17.

A further aspect of the invention concerns a feeder -, resp.,individualizing unit for the bank note-like objects 100.1, 100.2, . . .An embodiment of such a feeder unit, with which the inlet and separatingmodule 31 is equipped, is illustrated in the FIGS. 18 and 19. Banknote-like objects, e.g., bank notes 100.3, 100.4, . . . lie on an inletramp 380 in form of a stack. By a pressure force F_(A) the banknote-like objects 100.3, 100.4, . . . are pressed against feeder rollerslocated at the height of the bank notes, preferably several feederrollers 382.1-382.4. The pressure force F_(A) can be produced by asuitable mechanism or also by the force of gravity. The bank note infront 100.1 by means of feeder rollers 382.1-382.2 driven by the feedershaft 381 by sliding or adhesive friction is accelerated in thedirection of several transport rollers 384.1-384.4. The transportrollers 384.1-384.4 are driven by a transport shaft 383 and, similar asin the transport unit of the FIGS. 13 and 14, work in conjunction withpressure rollers 386.1-386.4. The pressure rollers 386.1-386.4 aremovably suspended, and retro-acting or biasing forces F_(R) in thedirection of the transport rollers 384.1-384.4 act on them. Theretro-acting forces F_(R) are in preference produced by the mechanism inaccordance with the invention described on the occasion of the FIGS. 13and 14 (not illustrated here anymore).

In order to ensure that only a single bank note 100.1 and not severalbank notes together are drawn in, the feeder unit in preference isequipped with several, in essence stationary, not rotating retainingrollers 388.1-388.4. The retaining rollers 388.1-388.4 are located on aretaining shaft 387 and are sporadically or continually, but very slowly(compared with the rotation speed of the transport rollers 384.1-384.4)rotated, in order to prevent a non-uniform wear of their surface. Theretaining rollers 388.1-388.4 usually by sliding or adhesive friction,prevent more than a first bank note 100.1, i.e., a second (and further)bank note 100.2, from being drawn in. In the known feeder units, theretaining rollers and the transport rollers are offset relative to oneanother, and only the pressure rollers lie opposite the transportrollers (such as in FIG. 14). This leads to the fact, that a drawn-inbank note is undulated or deformed in the z-direction, which representsa considerable disadvantage for the subsequent processing functions,such as transportation or reading. Apart from this, it happens from timeto time, that undesirably several bank notes are drawn in at the sametime.

The feeder unit in accordance with the invention avoids thesedisadvantages, in that every retaining roller 388.1-388.4 lies oppositea transport roller 384.1-384.4. In this, the gap a between the retainingrollers 388.1-388.4 and the transport rollers 384.1-384.4 has to beadjusted fairly accurately to the bank note thickness d, i.e., in anycase it must be applicable, that:

d≦a<2d.

This requirement for enhanced precision at first sight would appear tobe disadvantageous in comparison with the prior art. However, one theforegoing equation one acquires two essential advantages: first of allno waviness of the drawn in bank notes, and secondly a guaranteedindividualization of the bank notes when drawn in.

In the example of an embodiment illustrated here, one pressure roller386.1 and one retaining roller 388.1 are respectively located opposite atransport roller 384.1. It would also be possible that, for example, apressure roller would be alternately located opposite a first transportroller and subsequently a retaining roller would be located opposite asecond transport roller. It goes without saying, that in accordance withthe invention also more than four feeder, transport, pressure, and/orretaining rollers can be present.

What an embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention couldlook like from outside, is illustrated in FIG. 20. The device isenclosed by a housing 9. Visible from outside are the inlet compartment311 and, for example, two outlet compartments 361.1, 361.2. Forcommunication with a user, an operating unit 90 can be foreseen. Theoperating unit 90 can contain an output unit, for example, a monitorscreen or an LCD display, and/or an input unit, for example, a keyboard.In the example of an embodiment presented here, input and output unitare combined and implemented as a touch-sensitive screen 91(touch-screen).

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for processing bank note-like objects(100), with at least one inlet (311) and at least one outlet (361.1,361.2) for the bank note-like objects (100), comprising a fixed part(1), interchangeable mobile parts (31-36), whereby the mobile parts(31-36) are modules each for the performing of a complete processingfunction on the bank note-like objects (100) to be processed and themodules (31-36) are reversibly insertable into the fixed part (1) suchthat, between the at least one inlet (311) and the at least one outlet(361.1, 361.2), a plurality of different sequences for the processing ofbank note-like objects (100) is performable, drive means (41, 42) forproducing forces and/or torques as well as active means (552.1-552.4)for mechanically acting on the bank note-like objects (100), wherein thedrive means (41, 42) are attached to the fixed part (1), the activemeans (552.1-552.4) are attached in the mobile parts (31-36) and meansof transmission (51-56) for the transmission of the forces and/ortorques from the drive means (41, 42) to the active means (552.1-552.4)are present.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the drive meansare designed as electric motor (41) and/or as magnetic switch (42). 3.The device according to claim 1, wherein the active means are designedas transport rollers (552.1-552.4).
 4. The device according to claim 1,wherein the means of transmission are designed as toothed synchronousbeets (51.1-51.7), deflection rollers (52.1, 52.2, . . . ), perforatedwheels or perforated wheel rims (53.1, 53.2, . . . ), pins (55.1, 55.2,. . . ) engaging in bores (54) and/or levers (56).
 5. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the fixed part (1) is designed as anessentially rigid supporting structure.
 6. The device according to claim5, wherein the fixed part (1) is designed as a plate, as a profile or asa grating of bars.
 7. The device according to claim 1, furthercomprising mechanical means of connection (2.1, 2.2, . . . ), by meansof which the mobile parts (31-36) are attachable to the fixed part (1)by positive releasable mechanical connections.
 8. The device accordingto claim 7, wherein the mobile parts (31-36) are pluggable into orhookable onto the fixed part (1).
 9. The device according to claim 8,wherein pins (2.1, 2.2, . . . ) are attached to the fixed part (1) andthe mobile parts (31-36) have corresponding apertures or mouldings(22.1, 22.2, . . . ), into which the pins (2.1, 2.2, . . . ) areinsertable, so that the mobile parts (31-36) are pluggable into thefixed part (1) by means of the pins (2.1, 2.2, . . . ).
 10. The deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein a mobile part (31-36) is attachable to thefixed part (1) by means of at least two mechanical means of connection(2.1, 2.2, . . . ).
 11. The device according to claim 7, wherein amechanical means of connection (2.7) connects at least two mobile parts(36.1, 36.2, 34.3, 35) with the fixed part (1).
 12. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein the completed processing functions performable bythe modules (31-36) consist of feeding, separating/individualizing,transporting, deflecting, rotating, reading, sorting or stacking thebank note like objects (100).
 13. The device according to claim 1,wherein the mobile parts (31-36) have standardized interfaces (30), atwhich the bank note-like objects (100) are transferable from one mobilepart (31) to another mobile part (32.1).
 14. The device according toclaim 1, wherein at least one mobile part (31-36) contains a contactpressure unit for pressing the bank note-like objects (100) againstanother element (552.1-552.4) by means of at least one movably suspendedpressure roller (554.1-554.4), whereby the contact pressure unit isequipped with at least one reversibly compressable foam material element(558), by which retro-acting forces (F_(R)) in the direction of theother element (552.1-552.4) are exertable on the at least one pressureroller (554.1-554.4).
 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein theat least one mobile part (31-36) contains at least one drivabletransport roller (552.1-552.4), whereby the at least one transportroller (552.1-552.4) and the at least one pressure roller (554.1-554.4)are arranged relative to one another in such a manner, that the banknote-like objects (100) are pressed against the at least one transportroller (552.1-552.4) by the at least one pressure roller (554.1-554.4).16. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one mobile part(31-36) contains at least one mechanical detecting element (62.1-62.5),at least one proximity element (64) mechanically connected with thedetecting element (62.1-62.5) and a measuring element (63), which actsin conjunction with the proximity element (64) and transmits an electricoutput signal dependent on the position of the proximity element (64) toan electric line (634), so that by means of the output signal it isdeterminable, whether a bank note-like object (100) at a certain time isat a certain place or not.
 17. The device according to claim 16, whereinthe measuring element (63) for the protection against contamination withdirt from the passage of the bank note-like objects (100) is located ata distance or else is screened.
 18. The device according to claim 16,wherein the at least one mechanical detecting element (62.1-62.5) andthe at least one proximity element (64) are attached to a detectingshaft (61) located in the mobile part (31-36) and are rigidly connectedwith it and rotatable.
 19. The device according to claim 16, wherein themeasuring element (63) is a light barrier with a light source (631), aphoto-detector (633) and a light path (632) in between, whereby thelight path (632) is interruptible by the proximity element.
 20. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein at least one mobile part (31)contains a feeder unit for drawing in individual bank note-like objects(100.1, 100.2, . . . ) of a certain thickness (d), in which feeder unitat least one bank note-like object (100.1) by a contact pressure force(F_(A)) is pressable against at least one drivable insertion roller(382.1-382.4) and is acceleratable by the at least one insertion roller(382.1-382.4) in the direction of at least one transport roller(384.1-384.4), in which feeder unit apart from this at least onepressure roller (386.1-386.4) is movably suspended and by theretro-acting force (F_(R)) pressed in the direction of the transportrollers (384.1-384.4), and in which feeder unit furthermore at least onein essence stationary, not rotating retaining roller (388.1-388.4) forretaining further bank note-like objects (100.2, 100.3, . . . ) isattached, whereby every retaining roller (388.1-388.4) is locatedopposite a transport roller (384.1-384.4) and the gap (a) between the atleast one retaining roller (388.1-388.4) and the at least one transportroller (384.1-384.4) fulfils the condition  d≦a<2d.
 21. The deviceaccording to claim 20, wherein one pressure roller (386.1) and oneretaining roller (388.1) are respectively located opposite one transportroller (384.1).